BOSTON (December 17, 2012) – In an effort to make the holiday season brighter for local families in need, the Boston Celtics will partner with Mayor Thomas M. Menino’s City of Boston Holiday Toy Drive and Toys for Tots as they collect new, unwrapped and non-violent toys at the team’s upcoming home games. Collection areas will be set up at the main entrance turnstiles for game on Wednesday, December 19 vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers and Friday, December 21 vs. the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation will show their appreciation to each fan who donates a toy with a raffle ticket to win a basketball signed by the 2012-2013 team. Patrons will receive one ticket per toy donation and the raffle drawing will be held at half-time.

“The Boston Celtics are thrilled to be partnering with the Mayor and Toys for Tots for our toy drive,” Vice President of Corporate Partnerships and Business Development for the Boston Celtics Ted Dalton said. “With the generosity of our fans, we can hopefully brighten the holidays for those in need in the Greater Boston area.”

The City of Boston’s annual Holiday Toy Drive serves children throughout Boston’s neighborhoods. During last year’s drive, Mayor Menino received more than 4,500 requests for gifts, clothing and other necessities.

“Every year, we do our best to make the holiday season a happy time for all of Boston’s families,” Mayor Menino said. “But we can’t do it alone. The success of our toy drive wouldn’t be possible without the extraordinary support of the corporate community and individuals who want to make a difference. Through the generosity of the Boston Celtics, we’ll be able to respond to even more requests this year.”

About the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation

The Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation benefits our community directly through programs that provide education and support to children in need. The Foundation currently partners with Perkins School for the Blind, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston, Horizons for Homeless Children, the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC), Berklee City Music Network, Citi Performing Arts Center, and Positive Coaching Alliance. For more information on the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation, visit www.celtics.com/foundation.

About The Fund for Boston Neighborhoods, Inc. (FBNI)

The Fund for Boston Neighborhoods, Inc. (FBNI) is committed to supporting civic life in the City of Boston through public programming for the benefit and enjoyment of both residents and visitors to the city.

FBNI works with the Mayor's Office of Arts, Tourism and Special Events to foster the growth of the cultural community, promote participation in the arts and public celebrations and increase cultural tourism in Boston. http://fbni.org/

About Toys for Tots

Toys for Tots is a non-profit organization that provides Christmas gifts to local children and families in need will seek non-violent, new, and unwrapped toys to their donation. For more information about Toys for Tots please visit www.toysfortots.org.